EP0648187B1 - Dispositif de fixation - Google Patents

Dispositif de fixation Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0648187B1
EP0648187B1 EP93901064A EP93901064A EP0648187B1 EP 0648187 B1 EP0648187 B1 EP 0648187B1 EP 93901064 A EP93901064 A EP 93901064A EP 93901064 A EP93901064 A EP 93901064A EP 0648187 B1 EP0648187 B1 EP 0648187B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
seal
groove
clamping device
base plate
article
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP93901064A
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German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0648187A1 (fr
EP0648187A4 (fr
Inventor
Noel William George Rankin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0648187A1 publication Critical patent/EP0648187A1/fr
Publication of EP0648187A4 publication Critical patent/EP0648187A4/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0648187B1 publication Critical patent/EP0648187B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B47/00—Suction cups for attaching purposes; Equivalent means using adhesives

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a clamping device and in particular to a clamping device for temporarily attaching a tool to a surface of an article.
  • the clamping device to which the invention relates is of the type which comprises a base plate having a lower surface; a groove formed in the lower surface and extending around the periphery of the base plate, the groove being defined by a bottom face, an inwardly facing side face and an outwardly facing side face, the side faces each extending from the bottom face to the lower surface of the base plate; a compressible seal having side faces located in the groove and protruding externally therefrom, the lower surface and compressible seal defining a vacuum chamber together with the article surface when the base plate is pressed toward the article surface in use of the clamping device said compressible seal being dimensioned relative to the groove so that, and when sealing the article surface, the seal deforms laterally within the groove; and a means to supply a vacuum to the vacuum chamber.
  • Suction pads and similar devices are known for grasping articles, for example, to transport an article from one position to another. They are also used for such purposes as attaching a tool to a workpiece. Suction pads tend to gradually lose their "vacuum” and become detached from the article to be grasped or the workpiece. It is possible to overcome this problem by providing continuous suction to a variant of a suction pad.
  • United States patent 2730370 discloses a clamping device for holding workpieces which are to be subjected to various machining operations or other treatment.
  • the device includes a vacuum body providing a vacuum chamber having a lower surface.
  • a compressible sealing ring is located in a relatively enlarged cross-sectional groove formed in the lower surface.
  • the sealing ring seals against a surface of the workpiece.
  • a passageway in the body serves to exhaust air from the vacuum chamber so as to create a vacuum in the chamber and thereby hold the body against the workpiece.
  • the sealing ring deforms laterally within the groove when sealing against the workpiece.
  • Australian patent 274586 Woodfield Bennett Limited discloses a pick up head comprising a back plate provided with a soft rubber seal positioned on the underneath of the plate.
  • Australian patent 29280/67 Vacu-Lift Maschinenbau GmbH also discloses an annular sealing ring, which in this case has a support.
  • the annular sealing ring surrounds a vacuum chamber.
  • vacuum is used in a relatively loose sense to indicate a low pressure relative to atmospheric pressure such that a clamping device according to the invention will be held to an article to be grasped and/or lifted or clamped to a workpiece.
  • the present invention provides a clamping device of the above type and characterised in that the lateral deformation of the seal within the groove is such that the seal engages against both the side faces, and also deforms laterally externally of the groove to engage against the lower surface immediately adjacent the groove, deformation of the seal improving its airtight qualities and restricting the seal against inward and outward lateral movement relative to the base plate thereby stabilising the base plate on the article.
  • the lower surface of the vacuum body (as seen in use) is preferably substantially flat to enable the body to adhere to an article or workpiece with a corresponding relatively flat surface
  • the body may be provided with a degree of flexibility such that it may be flexed and/or manipulated to adhere to a curved or relatively irregular surface.
  • the lower surface of the vacuum body may be provided with at least one and preferably a pattern of internal protrusions elevated to a relatively slight degree from the lower surface wherein in use the size of the vacuum chamber and the degree of vacuum produced may be selected. In this way the adherence of the clamping device to the surface or article to be clamped or grasped may be improved.
  • a peripheral protrusion may also be provided, located outside the line of the seal, and acting to stabilise the operation of the vacuum body by avoiding unwanted rotation of the vacuum body toward or away from the surface or article, particularly when an attached tool such as a drill commences operation on the surface or article.
  • This peripheral protrusion may completely surround the lower surface of the vacuum body, in which case the internal protrusions may not be necessary.
  • it may be provided in a peripheral portion or portions, for example, located under that part of the vacuum body remote from an attached tool.
  • the compressible seal is preferably constructed principally from a compressible, flexible material made from a polymeric material, such as a natural rubber or an artificial rubber.
  • a compressible, flexible material made from a polymeric material, such as a natural rubber or an artificial rubber.
  • the compressible seal be located in a groove which is so dimensioned that the seal, when under compression, will expand to fill any free space in the groove, thus providing stability and air-tightness.
  • the seal preferably can at least partly move from outside to the inside of the groove assists in conforming the seal to roughnesses on the surface.
  • the groove is, for example, of square or rectangular cross-section with a substantially flat bottom.
  • the seal may be adhered to the bottom of the groove or the groove may be so shaped that it clamps the end of the seal.
  • the groove may have a curved bottom and the seal may be adhered to that bottom.
  • the source of vacuum may be any suitable pump or other device designed to evacuate air.
  • the source of vacuum may be separate from the clamping device according to the invention, for example, it may be a suction pump mounted separately.
  • the vacuum chamber may be mounted in a housing attached to the clamping device and a means to evacuate air may be in turn mounted in that housing.
  • the device to evacuate air may be a venturi pump in which a flow of air through a venturi tube is used to suck air through an offset evacuating tube leading to the vacuum chamber.
  • a two-way valve may be included; thus, in a first position of the valve, air is evacuated from the vacuum chamber as described and, in a second position of the valve, air is directed to the vacuum chamber to overcome the vacuum and release the device from the article or workpiece.
  • a check valve may be provided wherein, in a first operative position of the check valve, a flow of air is allowed to pass to the atmosphere and, in a second operative position, where an external source of vacuum is used, entry of air into the housing and thence to the vacuum chamber is prevented.
  • a clamping device may be mounted on the housing, for example, on a turntable.
  • a tool may be connected to the clamping device, for example, a drill.
  • the clamping device and tool may be so located on the housing itself or the turntable that it may be used to operate on a workpiece, for example, to drill holes. It is a particular advantage of this embodiment of the invention that a tool may be used to perform operations on awkwardly located workpieces, for example, the structural members of buildings, reducing the physical strain on the operator.
  • the clamping device according to the invention may also be used as a lifting device for objects having surfaces of various roughness or irregularity and porosities. For example, it may be used to lift objects of metal or even concrete where the surface is not smooth and the concrete may have a relatively substantial porosity.
  • a clamping device 2 is provided with a vacuum source housing 3 to which is attached a handle 4 to position the assembly.
  • a turntable 5 used to locate a generally L-shaped supporting arm 6 having an upright portion 7 and a horizontal portion 8.
  • a plate means 9 normally used to provide a surface against which a tool (in the present case a drill; see below) may be worked.
  • a hole 10 is indicated generally in the centre of plate 9; the hole actually penetrating the end of horizontal portion 8.
  • a movable locating means 11 is positioned on upright portion 7 and is used to support and locate drill 12.
  • FIG. 1 an air-supply (or suction) hose 13 is shown connected to housing 3.
  • Clamping device 2 has a base portion 14 around the perimeter of which is located an upwardly extending rim 15, the purpose of which will be explained.
  • a locking means 16 is located adjacent the perimeter of turntable 5 to lock the turntable in position. (Another locking means is provided in a corresponding position on the other side of the turntable).
  • a boss means indicated generally by numeral 17 is attached to turntable 5 (in the present case shown as being adjacent to the end of clamping device 2 distal from housing 3) and is adapted to locate and hold in position supporting arm 6.
  • Two lifting lugs 22A and 22B respectively are shown positioned towards the sides of clamping device 2 on top of rim 15. These lugs may be used to attach a safety line or harness.
  • Numeral 23 indicates a quick release means to allow air into the suction portion of clamping device 2.
  • Numeral 24 indicates an inlet-tap for compressed air or an inert gas or to shut off a suction means.
  • a first strut 50A extends from lug 22C to pad 51 positioned behind top 7A of upright portion 7 of supporting arm 6.
  • a second strut 50B extends from lug 22D to pad 51, both struts being included for extra strength and stability of assembly 1.
  • FIG. 1A shows seal 18 in its inoperative condition whereas Fig 1B shows seal 18 squashed into groove 19 with bulging portion 18A squashed outwards and into contact with vacuum chamber base 20 and a surface 21.
  • Numeral 23A indicates a valve means forming part of quick release means 23 and which operates as explained below.
  • Numeral 25D indicates a downward protrusion from base 20. (Three protrusions are shown; see also Fig 4.)
  • a downward, peripheral protrusion 25G is indicated below rim 15 adjacent the inlet for supply hose 13.
  • a vacuum chamber 26 having an open bottom and a roof formed by base 20 is also shown.
  • valve means 23A is compressed by a spring 27 upwards against O-ring 28 which normally prevents entrance of air into the vacuum chamber 26 when in use.
  • Numeral 29 indicates a vacuum cavity housing a venturi device (details of which are shown in Figure 3A). Valve 30 is forced downwards by spring 31 to seal entrance 32 leading to channel 33 which exits into vacuum chamber 26 thus producing a vacuum therein. In the inoperative state of clamping device 2, the stem of valve 32 protrudes below base 20. Numeral 34, indicating an unhatched portion Fig 2, is merely a cutaway portion of housing 2, as can be seen from Fig 1.
  • numeral 35 indicates an air silencer chamber leading by conduit 36 to valve means 23A whereby compressed air may be diverted into the vacuum chamber 26 to release clamping means 2.
  • numerals 38A, 38B and 38C indicate conduits between silencer chamber 35 and vacuum chamber 29; vacuum chamber 29 and air filter chamber 37; and air filter chamber 37 and tap 24 respectively. In the case where air or an inert gas is used to create a vacuum, the air or gas exhausts from air silencer chamber 35.
  • a simple vacuum indicator connected to vacuum chamber 26 is indicated by numeral 39.
  • Numerals 40A and 40B indicate two depressions formed in the principal portion of the casting comprising clamping device 2 to decrease weight.
  • Figure 3A provides detail of mechanism as viewed in cross-section along line A--A shown in Figure 3.
  • Numeral 60 indicates a check valve comprising an adjustable body portion 61 which is provided with a hollowed end portion 61A and extends into silencer chamber 35.
  • a first spiral spring means 62 fits into hollowed end portion 61A and bears upon sealing means 63.
  • a venturi device 64 provided with an inner longitudinal hole, and a side body 65, provided with a narrowing venturi hole, extends between silencer chamber 35 and vacuum chamber 29. Sealing means 63 bears against end 66 of venturi device 64, in one operative position.
  • a first O-ring 67 located in conduit 38A seals silencer chamber 35 from vacuum chamber 29.
  • venturi device 64 distal from end 66 is provided with an opened-out portion 68 into which is fitted a second O-ring 69 located adjacent a sleeve means 70.
  • This sleeve means 70 locates a connecting means 71, provided with an inner longitudinal hole, within opened-out portion 68 and extends through conduit 38B to air filter chamber 37.
  • the connecting means 71 ends in flanged portion 72.
  • a third O-ring is located between flanged portion 71 and the adjacent wall of air filter chamber 37.
  • a generally conical first air filter means 74 bears against flanged portion 72.
  • a second spiral spring means 75 bears against the inlet wall of air filter chamber 37, holding conical filter means 74 in position.
  • An inlet 76 is indicated leading into air filter chamber 37.
  • An outlet 76 leads out of silencer chamber 35 and is provided with a concentric cavity 77 adjacent the silencer chamber.
  • a second air filter means is located within cavity 77 and functions as a silencer.
  • Check valve 60 may be adjusted to a first operative position, in which air or gas is allowed to escape into the silencer chamber 35, and to a second operative position, in which a suction device removes air through inlet 76, air being prevented from entering the vacuum chamber 36 from silencer chamber 35.
  • FIG 4 an array of downward protrusions 25A to 25F inclusive is shown in the base 20 of vacuum chamber 26.
  • the downward protrusion 25G already described above, is also shown at the lower outward periphery of rim 15. These protrusions limit the contraction of seal 18, permit formation of a more effective vacuum and generally stabilise clamping device 2.
  • Fig 5 relates to a lifting device in which the turntable 5 and tool, for example, drill 22, have been eliminated, as have lateral lugs 22A and 22B. In place of these lateral lugs is shown a single transverse lifting lug 41.
  • Other elements of this embodiment are similar to analogous elements in the embodiment of Figure 1 and the numerals have not been shown for the sake of clarity.
  • a vacuum filter (not shown) may be provided in channel 33; see Figure 2. This vacuum filter is conveniently made from sintered metal.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Manipulator (AREA)
  • Jigs For Machine Tools (AREA)

Claims (9)

  1. Dispositif de serrage pour attacher momentanément un outil à une surface d'un article, comprenant :
    (a) une plaque de base (14) ayant une surface inférieure (20) ;
    (b) une gorge (19) formée dans la surface inférieure (20) et s'étendant autour de la périphérie (15) de la plaque de base (14), la gorge (19) étant définie par une face de fond, une face latérale dirigée vers l'intérieur et une face latérale dirigée vers l'extérieur, les faces latérales s'étendant chacune depuis la face de fond vers la surface inférieure (20) de la plaque de base (14) ;
    (c) un joint compressible (18) ayant des faces latérales situées dans la gorge (19) et faisant saillie à l'extérieur de celle-ci, la surface inférieure (20) et le joint compressible (18) définissant une chambre à vide (26) en coopération avec la surface (21) de l'article, lorsque la plaque de base (14) est pressée vers la surface (21) de l'article pendant l'utilisation du dispositif de serrage ; ledit joint compressible (18) étant dimensionné par rapport à la gorge (19) de telle sorte que, tandis qu'il forme une étanchéité vis-à-vis de la surface (21) de l'article, le joint (18) se déforme dans la direction latérale à l'intérieur de la gorge ;
    (d) un moyen (13) d'alimentation en vide pour la chambre à vide (26) ; et
    (e) caractérisé par le fait que la déformation latérale du joint à l'intérieur de la gorge est telle que le joint entre en prise avec les deux faces latérales, et se déforme également vers l'extérieur de la gorge (19) dans la direction latérale, de façon à entrer en prise avec la surface inférieure (20) au voisinage immédiat de la gorge (19), la déformation du joint (19) améliorant ses qualités d'étanchéité à l'air et limitant le déplacement latéral du joint (18) vers l'intérieur et vers l'extérieur par rapport à la plaque de base (14), ce qui stabilise la plaque de base (14) sur l'article.
  2. Dispositif de serrage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que la plaque de base (14) est dotée d'un degré de flexibilité, de telle sorte que sa surface inférieure (20) puisse être ajustée de façon à adhérer à une surface (21) irrégulière.
  3. Dispositif de serrage selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, caractérisé par le fait qu'au moins une partie saillante (25) est aménagée sur la surface inférieure (20) de la plaque de base (14), la partie saillante (25) faisant saillie d'une distance à partir de la surface inférieure (20), laquelle distance est inférieure à la distance sur laquelle le joint compressible (18) fait saillie de la gorge (19) lorsqu'il n'est pas déformé, la partie saillante (25) entrant en prise avec la surface (21) de l'article lors de la déformation du joint compressible (18), pour limiter ainsi l'étendue de la déformation du joint et en outre stabiliser la plaque de base (14) sur l'article.
  4. Dispositif de serrage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé par le fait que le joint (18) peut se déplacer à un degré substantiel de l'extérieur vers l'intérieur de la gorge (19) pour permettre au joint (18) d'épouser plus aisément les rugosités de la surface (21) de l'article ou de la pièce de travail à saisir ou à travailler.
  5. Dispositif de serrage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé par le fait que le joint (18) est collé au fond de la gorge (19).
  6. Dispositif de serrage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé par le fait qu'il est prévu un dispositif de production de vide en combinaison avec le restant du dispositif de serrage (2).
  7. Dispositif de serrage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé par le fait qu'il est prévu une source de vide distincte.
  8. Dispositif de serrage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé par le fait qu'un outil (12) est attaché à la plaque de base (14), l'outil (12) étant placé de telle sorte qu'il puisse être actionné pour effectuer des opérations de travail sur un article ou une pièce de travail.
  9. Dispositif de serrage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé par le fait que la gorge (19) s'effile à partir de la surface inférieure de la plaque de base (14) de façon à agripper le joint compressible (18).
EP93901064A 1992-06-26 1992-12-22 Dispositif de fixation Expired - Lifetime EP0648187B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (9)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPL3167/92 1992-06-26
AUPL316792 1992-06-26
AUPL316792 1992-06-26
US92758892A 1992-08-10 1992-08-10
US927588 1992-08-10
AUPL600192 1992-11-25
AUPL600192 1992-11-25
AUPL6001/92 1992-11-26
PCT/AU1992/000679 WO1994000374A1 (fr) 1992-06-26 1992-12-22 Dispositif de fixation

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0648187A1 EP0648187A1 (fr) 1995-04-19
EP0648187A4 EP0648187A4 (fr) 1996-02-28
EP0648187B1 true EP0648187B1 (fr) 2000-05-24

Family

ID=27157668

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93901064A Expired - Lifetime EP0648187B1 (fr) 1992-06-26 1992-12-22 Dispositif de fixation

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0648187B1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH08501027A (fr)
DE (1) DE69231099T2 (fr)
WO (1) WO1994000374A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2435843A (en) * 2006-03-10 2007-09-12 Martin John Lenzini Venturi vacuum hold-down device
JP2013055360A (ja) * 2012-12-17 2013-03-21 Lintec Corp 支持装置及び支持方法
DE102013101100A1 (de) * 2013-02-04 2014-08-21 Gert Pötters Lösbare Unterdruckhaltevorrichtung
CN109262495B (zh) * 2018-10-22 2021-01-22 金恒丰科技集团有限公司 一种印刷辅助压紧装置
JP6937414B2 (ja) * 2019-04-18 2021-09-22 伊藤超短波株式会社 調音手段
JP6880112B2 (ja) * 2019-07-08 2021-06-02 株式会社日本ピスコ 移動装置の吸着機構
JP7304917B2 (ja) * 2020-08-27 2023-07-07 伊藤超短波株式会社 吸引装置

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2730370A (en) * 1954-08-13 1956-01-10 George F Brewster Work holding chuck

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SU219145A (fr) *
US2852264A (en) * 1955-02-28 1958-09-16 Granata Rosario Charles Vacuum chuck
US2853333A (en) * 1955-09-07 1958-09-23 Littell Machine Co F J Vacuum cup
FR1138249A (fr) * 1955-12-23 1957-06-11 Cloche pneumatique pour appareils de levage et autres
DE1046443B (de) * 1956-05-02 1958-12-11 Albert Fezer Ringfoermige Dichtung aus elastisch verformbarem Werkstoff fuer Saugspannplatten
US2955829A (en) * 1958-07-16 1960-10-11 George F Brewster Work holding chuck
US3266102A (en) * 1964-04-14 1966-08-16 Edwin F Peterson Bodily actuable core box seal
IE34206B1 (en) * 1969-01-10 1975-03-05 Klarcrete Ltd Method for repairing concrete roads
US3640562A (en) * 1970-03-17 1972-02-08 Vacuum Concrete Corp Of Americ Flexible vacuum lifter

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2730370A (en) * 1954-08-13 1956-01-10 George F Brewster Work holding chuck

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0648187A1 (fr) 1995-04-19
DE69231099D1 (de) 2000-06-29
EP0648187A4 (fr) 1996-02-28
DE69231099T2 (de) 2001-02-01
WO1994000374A1 (fr) 1994-01-06
JPH08501027A (ja) 1996-02-06

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